Low-dose radiotherapy for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia

Excerpt

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) which emerged in the province of Hubei, China in December 2019 has already accounted for more than two million cases worldwide. In general, it is an acutely resolved viral respiratory illness that presents with high-grade fever, cough and dyspnoea, with bilateral pneumonia on imaging [1, 2]. The plasma levels of cytokines like interleukins (IL2, IL7, IL10), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are usually elevated, with the levels being higher in patients who require intensive care or are categorised as having severe disease [1]. Nearly every sixth patient develops acute respiratory distress syndrome, which is predisposed by older age and known comorbid conditions, and which may worsen rapidly, leading to eventual death [2]. Management involves empirical and supportive therapy, but no standard of care has been established yet. …